Cloak yourself in a graceful creation of your own making with the help of our new FSCO® Customizable Capelet Sewing Pattern! This versatile pattern is all about personalization and imagination — ideal for both blossoming beginners ready to expand their sewing repertoire and seasoned sewists seeking a quick, rewarding project. Read on to learn what sets our capelet pattern apart and collect inspiration for future easy anime cosplay ideas featuring this one-of-a-kind design. 

What is a Capelet? 

A capelet is a shorter version of a cape that drapes over the shoulders and upper arms, adding a layer of charm to your cosplay or everyday ensemble. Both decorative and practical, a capelet can be used to tie your outfit together, or simply keep you warm. From lace to faux fur, hood or no-hood, capelets exist in all textures, shapes, and sizes. Perfect for cosplay, fashion, or costume design, it’s a unique garment that will transform your look and transport you through time.

Pattern Features

At First Stop Cosplay®, we’re passionate about learning, growing, and delivering innovative beginner sewing patterns — and our Customizable Capelet is no exception! Made to adapt to any cosplay genre or personal style, our First Stop Cosplay Originals sewing patterns are perfect for crafting a variety of looks. Plus, all our patterns are printed on premium, durable (fabric-shear-friendly) paper, ensuring they can be reused time and time again. The best part is: you’ll never lose access to our detailed instructional content, so you can reference each step with pictures and video tutorials as many times as you like. 

With just one capelet pattern, the creative possibilities are endless! Here’s why:

• Optional Hood: This pattern includes instructions for both a hooded and hoodless version, giving you the flexibility to choose the style that best suits your vision. The hood creates a deep, rounded opening that beautifully frames the face while staying securely in place, protecting your head from the cold while making an alluring statement.
  
• Inner Lining: Granting your project a polished, professional-looking finish inside and out, the full inner lining not only enhances durability but also allows you to customize the look by mixing contrasting colors or patterns for a bold statement or matching similar tones for a seamless design.
  
• 2 Front Hem Shapes: Choose between two front opening styles: straight corners for a classic, traditional look or gentle, curved edges for a modern, feminine feel.
  
• Front Ties: Sew charming front ties, or opt to experiment with other types of clasps and closures for a personalized touch — we even provide some examples to inspire you.
  
• Bonus Content for Ultimate Customization: Enjoy our bonus video tutorials for guidance on how to incorporate additional trims and embellishments, so you can craft a capelet that reflects your unique style — even as a beginner!
  

Which combination will you start with? Try out all the customization options and play with different colors, fabrics, and aesthetics!

Capelet Customization Inspiration

This pattern’s greatest strength is customization! With our bonus content, you can design a capelet that fits perfectly for your character-specific cosplay. Mix and match fabrics and colors for the outer and lining layers by choosing contrasting shades for a striking effect, or sticking with similar tones for a subtle, harmonious finish. Optional trims like lace, ribbon, or decorative buttons are a gateway to elevating your creation. 

Apart from its practical uses (keeping you cloaked and cozy), a capelet adds undeniable charm to most any outfit. Let’s take a look at some of the many ways you can style yours!

How to Wear a Capelet: 

Lolita: Incorporate your capelet into a Lolita-inspired ensemble. Use curved edges, ruffled trims, and pastel or patterned fabrics to complement our Lolita Skirt, Petticoat, and Lolita Blouse sewing patterns and unlock endless styling potential.

Historical/Renfaire: Add elegance to a princess or regal character by choosing a capelet with a curved front opening and wearing it over our Circle Skirt sewing pattern. Pair it with soft, pastel hues or shimmering fabrics, and accent with embroidery or lace. If you’d rather fit in with the peasantry, opt for a straight front opening and minimal or no trim in earth tones.

Gothic: Craft a moody, Gothic-inspired capelet with rich velvet or satin in deep tones like black, burgundy, or dark purple. Pair it with a corset, our T-Shirt Dress pattern, layered skirts, or dramatic makeup for a vampiric or witchy vibe. 

Mysterious Mage: Use a dark, dramatic fabric and our Pajama Pants with Sleeveless Crop Top combo to embody a spellbinding wizard or sorceress. Embellish your garments with mystical symbols, runes, or metallic trim to enhance the magical aura. 

Masquerade/Evening Glamour: Use a luxurious, glittering fabric for an elegant, evening-ready capelet. Perfect for masquerade balls or formal events, it adds a dramatic touch without covering your entire outfit.

Fairy Tale: Bring your fairytale fantasies to life! Evoke the charm of iconically cloaked characters like Anna from Frozen, the Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and Little Red Riding Hood.

Everyday Outerwear: Wear a simple, understated capelet as part of your daily wardrobe, or let it shine as a bold statement piece by choosing eye-catching fabrics or vibrant colors! Pair it with pants, boots, and a fitted top for a casual, whimsical touch.

Increase Your Cape-Abilities!

From detailed instructions to an inclusive sizing range, our easy sewing patterns for beginners are the best in the game. Ready to get started? Whatever your vision, our FSCO Customizable Capelet Sewing Pattern is the blueprint you need to realize your next cosplay dream!

Check out the FSCO Sewing Academy for free educational resources, or get ahold of one of our FSCO Starter Tool Sets for all the essential sewing tools a beginner needs in one cute and convenient canvas pouch. 

Do you have questions or want to connect with a community of passionate cosplayers and DIY enthusiasts? Join our public Discord server for endless fun and inspiration!

Let’s create something amazing together!

Written by Karina M.